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Do Windows XP and AOL Play Nicely?

Despite mixed messages over compatibility, Windows XP users should pick AOL 7.0--or else.

Tom Spring, PCWorld.com

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Free CDs of the newly released AOL 7.0 software should be appearing in your snail mail soon. If you're one of AOL's 31 million members and considering the move to Microsoft Windows XP, you should be sure to grab one of those discs, or you might find yourself in for some disappointments.

Neither Microsoft nor America Online is exactly forthcoming with the information, but Windows XP isn't compatible with most other versions of the AOL interface, including AOL 6.0. An interim version, AOL 6.0.2, is compatible with the new operating system, but users upgrading to Windows XP will have to also download this AOL interim upgrade.

It's a confusing situation, and you couldn't easily untangle it if you relied on information supplied by the two companies.

A PC World test running Microsoft's Upgrade Advisor software utility, a program designed to identify possible hardware and software incompatibilities before upgrading to Windows XP, failed to red-flag any problem between AOL 6.0 and Windows XP Pro.

Meanwhile, AOL has publicly stated that AOL 6.0 is compatible with Windows XP. But it is also prompting members to upgrade to its newly released AOL 7.0. In fact, AOL gets downright pushy with Windows XP users running AOL 6.0.

Three Strikes, You're Off

The first time a Windows XP user logs onto the AOL network using the AOL 6.0 client interface, the service sends a warning that you must upgrade your software or you'll be blocked from the network. Just in case you don't have time to download and install the update immediately, AOL grants you two more log-ons (and accompanying warnings). The message says, "You must upgrade your AOL software immediately or you will no longer be able to access the AOL service!" After that, you're blocked.

Before you get blocked, you'll still be able to run AOL pretty much as normal, AOL says. Prior to the final warning, members who don't upgrade will experience glitches. For example, they may be unable to use the AOL instant messaging service. However, multiple users can log on to the same account simultaneously, which is not usually permitted. (Editor's note: AOL later added that simultaneous access by multiple users can damage your client software.)

When asked, Microsoft maintains AOL 6.0 is compatible with Windows XP. However, a representative says the company is aware of "limited functionality" issues with earlier versions.

Jump-Start Shipments

The confusion apparently stems from the challenge of coordinating software shipping deadlines and eager PC vendors.

AOL got itself into the version quagmire when PCs began selling with Windows XP in October, even before the operating system's official launch on October 25.

But AOL didn't release AOL 7.0 until this week. So it developed an interim version of AOL 6 for vendors to preload on the PCs that shipped early with Windows XP. AOL has also posted on its site a version of AOL 6.0.2 that it claims is compatible with Windows XP. (And you're spared the three-strikes-you're-blocked method of prodding you to upgrade to AOL 7.0 if you're running 6.0.2.)

Still, AOL representatives admit the company is doing its best to encourage its Windows XP members to upgrade to AOL 7. The latest AOL 7 software is optimized for Windows XP, they say. Among the benefits are a faster launch of the client software and reduced time to connect to the Internet.

Troubleshooting and Prevention

If you are an AOL member, the fix for even potential problems is simple: Download AOL 7.0, which is compatible with most versions of the Windows operating system, including Windows Millennium and 2000 as well as XP. AOL does not offer software patches to fix incompatibility issues--you must download the full 32MB AOL client.

To tell whether your version of AOL software is compatible with Windows XP, launch AOL on your PC and go to Help and then About America Online. If the version number of your AOL 6.0 software is not 4111.50 then it will not be compatible.

But if you are considering upgrading to Windows XP, and you'd like to skip a hefty download, hang on to at least one of the ubiquitous AOL 7 CDs you'll come across in the next month. You can also check whether your PC is equipped for an upgrade to Windows XP by taking PCWorld.com's Web-based Windows XP Readiness test.

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